Full-timers up by over 3,000

Labour market data for December 2007 indicate that the full-time gainfully occupied population increased by 3,183 persons while unemployment dropped by 989 persons when compared to December 2006, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In the month under review, the labour supply grew by 2,194 persons over the same month in 2006. The labour supply amounted to 149,008 persons. Of these, the full-time gainfully occupied population amounted to 142,836 persons and the registered unemployed numbered 6,172 persons.

In the 12 months to December 2007, the economic activities which registered the main growth in full-time employment were real estate, renting and business activities, hotels and restaurants and other community, social and personal service activities.

On a year-on-year basis, the number of self-employed persons increased by 251 to reach 16,806 persons. The main economic activities in which the self-employed persons operate are wholesale and retail trade and construction.

In the 12 months to December 2007, part-time employment rose by 3,639. Among part-timers who also hold a full-time job, there was an increase of 1,589 persons. Those having a part-time job as their primary occupation went up by 2,050 persons.